Newly hired EHS manager? How to plan the first 30-90-180 days
As a newly hired Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Manager in a construction company, your role is critical in ensuring compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and environmental standards. Here are essential steps to consider:
1. Familiarize Yourself with Relevant Regulations
Understand OSHA Regulations: Focus on construction-specific regulations (29 CFR 1926) and general industry standards that may apply to your operations.
Environmental Regulations: Get to know federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations that impact your operations, such as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and regulations pertaining to hazardous waste management.
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Review of Current Policies and Practices
Perform an audit of current EHS practices, comparing them against OSHA standards and environmental regulations.
Identify gaps in compliance and areas for improvement.
3. Develop and Implement an EHS Management System
Create or update your EHS policies, procedures, and practices to ensure they meet or exceed regulatory requirements.
Implement an Environmental Management System (EMS) that aligns with ISO 14001 standards, if applicable.
4. Training and Education
Develop a comprehensive training program for employees at all levels to ensure they understand their roles and responsibilities related to EHS.
Regularly update training materials to reflect changes in regulations and company policies.
5. Establish a Reporting and Investigation Process
Implement a system for reporting accidents, near misses, and environmental incidents.
Develop a process for investigating incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
6. Engage Employees and Promote a Safety Culture
Involve employees in EHS initiatives through committees or teams.
Promote a culture of safety and environmental stewardship, encouraging proactive identification and mitigation of hazards.
7. Regular Audits and Inspections
Schedule regular EHS audits and site inspections to ensure ongoing compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Use audit results to refine EHS policies and procedures.
8. Stay Informed About Regulatory Changes
Keep abreast of changes in OSHA regulations and environmental laws that affect your industry.
Subscribe to relevant newsletters, attend workshops, and participate in industry associations.
9. Leverage Technology
Consider using EHS management software to track compliance, manage documents, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs).
10. Engage with External Stakeholders
Work with regulatory agencies, local communities, and environmental groups to address any concerns and ensure your company is viewed as a responsible corporate citizen.
11. Continuous Improvement
Adopt a continuous improvement approach to EHS management, regularly reviewing and updating your practices to enhance safety and environmental performance.
12. Emergency Preparedness and Response
Develop and regularly update emergency response plans for potential environmental and safety incidents.
Conduct drills to ensure employees are prepared to act in an emergency.
13. Documentation and Record Keeping
Maintain thorough records of compliance efforts, training, incident investigations, and corrective actions.
Ensure documentation is easily accessible for audits and inspections.
14. Supplier and Contractor Management
Ensure that contractors and suppliers adhere to your EHS standards and policies.
Include EHS criteria in the selection and evaluation of contractors and suppliers.
By following these steps, you'll establish a solid foundation for EHS compliance in your construction company, reducing risks and fostering a safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible workplace.